Oud

Oud, also known as agarwood, is one of the most prized and expensive raw materials in all of perfumery. It originates from the resinous heartwood of Aquilaria trees, found primarily in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, which produce the resin only when infected by a specific mold. The result is a dark, intensely complex wood that has been treasured in Arabic, Japanese, and Indian cultures for millennia.

In fragrance, oud registers as a dense, smoky, balsamic wood with animalic undertones, hints of dried fruit, and a leathery depth that is simultaneously earthy and luxurious. No two oud materials smell exactly alike. Indian oud skews barnyard and medicinal, while Thai and Cambodian ouds tend toward sweeter, almost chocolatey facets. Western perfumers often use synthetic oud substitutes to achieve a cleaner, more accessible take on the note.

Fragrances built around oud pair it beautifully with rose, amber, saffron, sandalwood, and musk. If you enjoy the richness of oud, you will likely also be drawn to smoky, leather, amber, and oriental accords, all of which share oud's sense of depth, warmth, and lasting presence on the skin.